How to Cite Authors with First, Middle & Last Names in APA
Students and professionals in the social sciences consult the American Psychological Association style manual for formatting guidance for their research and other professional writing. As a student, your grade may depend on your ability to format your research papers exactly as the style manual requires. It's important to note that in APA style, first and middle names of authors are not spelled out; only initials are used.
APA Author Names
In your paper's references list, if the author's name is James Lyndon Smith, list the author's first, middle and last name as follows: Smith, J.L. If the publication has two authors, James Lyndon Smith and Terrance Miles Jones, list the authors' names as follows: Smith, J.L., & Jones, T.M. List three authors, James Lyndon Smith, Terrance Miles Jones and Susan Marie Adams like this: Smith, J.L., Jones, T.M., & Adams, S.M. Note the use of an ampersand instead of the word "and."
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Maya Black has been covering business, food, travel, cultural topics and decorating since 1992. She has bachelor's degree in art and a master's degree in cultural studies from University of Texas, a culinary arts certificate and a real estate license. Her articles appear in magazines such as Virginia Living and Albemarle.
